Six-goal Hibernians add gloss to title celebrations

Hibernians added gloss to their title-winning campaign as they celebrated their championship success with a terrific performance in a 6-1 rout of neighbouring rivals Tarxien Rainbows. There was a festive, boisterous atmosphere at the National Stadium as the Hibs fans turned up in large numbers to see their team’s coronation as kings of Maltese football for the 12th time in the club’s history. Hibernians took to the pitch safe in the knowledge that the title was done and dusted after opening an unassailable lead but the newly-crowned champions were in no mood to ease up. The game was over as a contest inside the opening 11 minutes as Malta Under-21 striker Jurgen Degabriele struck a quickfire hat-trick. Jorginho made it 4-0 with a glancing header on 20 minutes as Tarxien were completely overwhelmed. The game lost much of its intensity in the second half before producing another three-goal blitz in the final nine minutes. Brazilian Jackson Lima struck Hibs’ fifth goal eight minutes from time, Alex Nilsson scored a consolation goal for Tarxien after converting a penalty but Gilmar’s screamer rounded the scoring as Hibernians ran out 6-1 winners. As the Hibernians supporters raised the volume, the celebrating players walked towards the podium where Norman Darmanin Demajo, the Malta FA President, and Deo Scerri, Chairman of Bank of Valletta, presented the BOV Premier League trophy to Clayton Failla, the captain of Hibernians.